Hhappy Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Where should is start... Let's try to present some background to this "adventure". (if you don't care about the story.. just scroll down to the first set of pictures) I have always wanted to experience Halloween in the US. Especially in the Orlando area which was an area i had not been to before. So when presented with the opportunity to hang out with some friends and experience Halloween in Orlando.. it took me 5 seconds to decide... While trying to find a decent flight.. i found out that it would cost me about 100 euro extra.. to fly to LA (instead of orlando) a couple of days earlier and fly from LA to orlando... Keeping in mind that LA is home to Six Flags Magic Mountain... i decided to take a small detour on the way to Orlando and check out this place.. So let's start with the first day of my "adventure" Saturday after waking up at 3:30am i had a short flight to London.. i spent about 4 hours hanging around at the airport and finally boarded the "long" 11 hour flight to LAX.. Damn.. i sometimes really hate those long flights.. especially if you can't sleep on them (for whatever reason) Anyway.. in the afternoon i arrived at LA and just a couple of hours later i entered SFMM to experience the park, the rides and Halloween.. The atmosphere was amazing, plenty of people, nice decoration and a very good vibe. I totally loved the place. The rides were amazing and the mazes.. they were hilarious. i can't remember the last time i laughed so hard and had such a great time.. the only downer was the fact that sleep was getting to me.. and i was starting to do some "sleepwalking". I still remember everything from that day/night and would do it again in a heartbeat. It was such an amazing experience and i would like to thank everybody that made this possible anyway.. after being awake for 30 hours.. flying some plains and riding plenty of coasters.. it was time to get some sleep.. and get ready for the next day. Sunday.. as you might have noticed.. there are no pictures from the night before.. i decided to leave my camera back.. just to chill, enjoy the park.. and not having to worry about lockers and camera bags etc. So yeah.. sunday was the day to check out the place a little more and get some pictures.. The plan was to get a good night rest after that.. and head over to Orlando the next day.. The story will continue when i do the next update.. but first.. here are some SFMM pictures... Warm up : Six Flags Magic Mountain (scroll down) Day 1 (part1): Sea World Day 1 (Part2): Old Town Day 3 (part1): Disney Studio's Day 3 (part2): Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Day 4 (Part1): Islands of Adventure Day 4 (Part2): Universal and Halloween Horror Nights Day 5: Busch Gardens Tampa Day 6 (Part1): Disney's Animal Kingdom Day 6 (Part2): Epcot That was fun... all that was left to do.. after riding X2.. was to enjoy the view.. and call it a day.. Thanks LA.. we will meet again.. After getting some good food.. it was time to get back into the park.. i still had one more credit to go.. X2.. Never heard of those before.. By now the line for Tastu was interesting.. and probably caused by the delayed opening of X2.. I so wanted to get up the tower.. but yeah.. as you can see.. there was just too much wind for it to open.. are they going to put some remote ontrolled vehicles in here so people can try to make their own version of one of those "famous" Terminator scenes?? this was another interesting ride... that's all i'm going to say about it.. well.. i had to get at least one of these kind of pictures while being here.. so.. random people making funny faces.. storage area or something else.. anyway.. the wind closed it a few seconds later.. just before i could get a better picture of what was inside.. I "guess" they are building a woody?? construction site... with not much yet to be seen.. by now there should be more in this area.. did i mention the park was "dead" these first cuple of hours?? Another train on it's way to go up the... Goliath... i guess i expected too much.. but it was just a mehh ride to me.. It just looks insane.. and you could hear it from far away.. confusion all over the place.. A man and his "natural" environment.. Another Discovery Channel ride in this picture.. my eyes were plying tricks on me as i thought for a couple of seconds superman lost his head.. using my camera i noticed that this was not the case... I should have gotten another ride in during the day.. but i guess i was still a bit jetlagged and last nights ride was impressive enough.. today.. no locker for me.. time to check out the place and get some pictures.. this is something i have not seen at any european park (yet) First look (during daylight) at one of those places i had seen so many photo's of.. I decided to get a different picture after entering the park.. just looking back at the gates... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster_dude2002 Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Great photos as usual Hanno! I can't wait to see the ones from Orlando. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy T. Koepp Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Hey ya Hanno! It was such a pleasure meeting you in Orlando. Awesome photos! I can't wait to see the rest of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hhappy Posted November 12, 2008 Author Share Posted November 12, 2008 The Orlando trip was amazing indeed.. But let's not get ahead of myself. Time for another update.. After a good night rest.. i took a plane to Orlando to meet up with the "gang" for a nice evening dinner. That place was amazing (as well as the view outside over the lake) I so want to go back there.. Anyway... The next morning it was time for my first Orlando park visit.. First stop.. Sea World I'll try to let the pictures do the talking... Althought these are probably not the kind of pictures you would normally expect from me... Hope you like them.. Day 1 (part1): Sea world and don't forget the Manta track nearby... time to go to the next place.. i timed it wrong... Time to cool down a little.. I see some happy faces.. and yes.. there are not that many places where you see this animal just walking around in the park.. Just a few more minutes.. and there's Beer... Happy faces all around me.. returning event i guess... let's visit... there's a surprise around every corner.. Yes.. i did like the place (being my first Orlando park.. i had no clue yet) There's just so much to look at... Another side of this place.. something you won't see in Holland (or maybe even Europe) rollin... This one does not look that big/scary to me.. somewhere inside.. I've always wanted to walk around a place like this.. and try to get some pictures.. what a challenge.. sharks Wave pool no.. we will not feed Robb to you.. he's working his Wii Fit at the moment.. Freedom.. I should have read the signs cause i don't remember the names for these animals.. small overview... "where's your head at?? " or should i just say.. flexible.. time to check out something else.. Priceless expressions as usual.. i see familiar faces... Random people having fun... sorry, coaster site.. so coaster pictures.. "hidden" inside the building... well.. what can i say? First stop of the day... interesting ride.. lines were not that long.. so got on a second time.. Park map.. always handy.. I see some hard hats working at a new coaster.. maybe next year.. yes, i made it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy Stardust Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I haven't visited Sea World Orlando in a while. Kraken and Atlantis are both good rides and the whole park is beautiful in typical Busch fashion. I'd like to visit again after Manta opens. Good report, Hanno. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KerryB Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Another Hanno TR! I'm looking forward to the rest of it, great job so far. I am really impressed that you were able to hit the parks the way you did jet lag and all. Inspiration indeed for any possible future International TPR trips for me! Thanks again Hanno! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrillgeek Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 ^I agree! I'm very impressed with everyones endurance on long coaster trips. Thanks for the wonderful pics and trip reports from the parks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Another Hanno TR! I'm looking forward to the rest of it, great job so far. I am really impressed that you were able to hit the parks the way you did jet lag and all. Inspiration indeed for any possible future International TPR trips for me! Thanks again Hanno! Luckily Hanno is sparing us of the pictures from his bout of food poisining while in Florida. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hhappy Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 ^ thanks for reminding me Larry.. damn what a night and following day that was.... In the end.. everything worked out fine.. it was just that 24 hour period which was very annoying... By the way.. sorry for the delay in updates... next one will take a couple of days due to other obligations during the weekend (and having no computer during this weekend..) Thanks for all the nice reactions so far.. there's still more to come.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socalMAN123 Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 "How many hours have you been up Hanno?" "Ummmm...by the looks of it, 27." It was fun hanging out with you at SFMM, glad to see that you got your X2 credit. Come back to Socal sometime when you aren't suffering from massive jetlag! ---Brent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hhappy Posted November 20, 2008 Author Share Posted November 20, 2008 Time for some more pictures from orlando... Next stop: Old Town I found this to be an interesting break. Just walking around in the area and all the stuff to look at made it worth going there. something is wrong with this picture.. fly by... now where was that cable i need to pull?? the look so happy... extreme extreme zoom... gives.. fear what's that hand doing there?? impressive... that the ride can handle this load.. insert random comments here.. lets hope this will be strong enough... looks like there are some people up for the challenge.. big enough? back down.. initial reaction to the drop... sorry folks.. still going up... the many faces of a drop tower... starting to go up.. park sign.. just "park" it there.. drop zone... next door.. hmm, looks like fun.. going round and round.. i guess crazy ride.. wondering what went through these minds... owh (insert a toilet related word here) goofy looking contest... don't be scared.. here we go... prices.. almost felt like going back in time.. although i don't have a clue on how things looked 30 years ago.. transportation for this and the following days.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollin_n_coastin Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Hey Hanno, once again, awesome pics! Thanks for the updates! Definitely two rides that made my stomach turn just looking at the pics...the drop tower and sky coaster lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrillgeek Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Jeez...the Sky coaster is huge! Wish Cali had one like that. Thanks for the pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 LOL Lou looks hillarious in the drop tower bottom pick. Thats the water ride look right before you are about to get totally soaked. LOL Priceless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecoasterkid Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Great shots as always Hanno! I can't wait to see the rest of this report. It was awesome getting to see you and hang out a bit again. I need to know your secrets to getting the shots in that shark tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hhappy Posted November 23, 2008 Author Share Posted November 23, 2008 After our visit to Old Town it was time for an excellent group diner.. Unfortunately (as you might have read already) by this time i was getting pretty darn sick.. and i had no other option then skipping the next day.. and stay in bed.. I can't remember the last time that i've ever been that sick.. and i still don't have a clue on what caused it.. anyway.. i missed some time at Wet and Wild and Epcot.. The next day.. (day 3) it was an all day Disney day.. No way i would skip that.. so there i went.. The following are some pics from a first time visitor to Orlando Disney Parks.. First stop Disney Hollywood Studio's just another angle.. next update.. Mickey's not so scary Halloween party... up side down... They seem to enjoy the ride... i see people .. back outside.. better pre show then in Paris.. excellent food.. just a shame i was still a little sick... water.. always good.. ok.. time to walk a little and go for some food... there was a reason for this... a classic watch your back... that might be heavy.. at least some fire.. no rain?? back inside... still here, and still having fun mickey yes.. the elevator.. inside.. there's so much to see.. another angle.. waiting area and shade.. excellent I guess everybody has this one... Next stop... yummie... there is something "wrong" in the background.. enthusiasts... damn.. i should have put those glasses in front of my camera... owh my.. goggles effect?? getting ready to board.. the one and only.. entertainment in case you are getting bored.. plenty of theming inside.. just waiting for this ride.. and behind us.. damn... Looks like we were not the only people heading this way... sorry.. i'm a tourist so.. i had to get a quick picture.. the hat.. crossroads... so many meanings that can be given to that.. owh my.. they do have crowds here.. the beauty of the early morning.. for me all the more reason to enjoy the day.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Divv3k Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Loving your photos as always Hanno! The shots of us on the Sky Coaster are great. Plus the ones of Dave and Lou on the drop tower at Old Town really crack me up! Can't wait to see Not So Scary! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hhappy Posted November 27, 2008 Author Share Posted November 27, 2008 I was hoping for some more reactions before posting the next update... This way it would not contain 3 updates on one page.. But what the heck... i might as well post this one now.. otherwise i might be waiting until..... ok.. Next.. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party.. I loved the vibe that evening, loved the fireworks and the entire place. I believe i did get some good pictures.. and i hope you enjoy them.. That's the last one for this update.. we knows.. maybe i'll do another one... more lights... still stuck.. still no buyers.. off course.. no visit is complete without.. Goofy and Candy.. sparks.. Haunted Mansion.. so many details.. drunk or?? you can see the effect of flash fotography still feeling young.. the Boo to You Halloween Parade.. and yes.. i still have the song in my head.. we are just waiting for... time for something else.. favorite picture of the day.. there are so many people watching this.. i just like this one for the castle... a lot of light.. fireworks behind the castle.. spooky... or not? yes.. fireworks time... here's a bunch of pictures.... owh.. pretty lights... stitch is watching the area.. making sure everybody is safe Yes, i can see the castle (again) time to find a good spot.. that was fun indeed.. back outside.. dark ride time.. checking out the line.. the white building.. Treat party hold on to your hat.. cause we are "flying" credit whoring.. it was getting dark.. which means... a lot of fun humans?? humans?? Yes, we made it outside.. it was fun.... ehm.. the infamous carousel of progress let's check this out... another look at the castle.. it just looked smaller then the one in Paris.. scaled down.. everywhere you look there's something to be seen.. this one came out kind of interesting.. the castle.. the picture a lot of people have.. ok, let's get in.. i did not have a clue untill later what this building was.. in the distance That's where i'm heading.. being welcomed is always nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster_dude2002 Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Awesome updates Hanno! The photos from the skycoaster are awesome, I don't think I have ever been that terrified in my life. Glad Lou pulled the ripcord. Your photos from hallowishes and the boo to you parade were great as well. As usual I can't wait for the next update! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fudgey Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Hanno - thank you for catching the many faces of the drop tower experience, as well as skycoaster. That version of a drop tower really freaked me out and that was my first skycoaster - always go for the biggest first!! Great pics as always - love it. Great way to remember such a great week away!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hhappy Posted December 6, 2008 Author Share Posted December 6, 2008 Time for another update.. Day 4.. all about Universal.. First stop Islands of Adventure.. Below is a selection of my pics for that day.. the next update might be about Halloween Horror Nights.. enough said.. The weather was great.. let's enjoy some more coasters Thanks for the excellent time.. is it love? i blame the sun.. time to chill a little and enjoy the view.. going round and round and.. I guess it's a big hit on this side of the ocean.. the movie etc hardly made it to my home.. so this was interesting for me.. there was a reason for this picture.. don't fall... owh my.. what should i say about this.. Time to cool down a little.. but there is more.. sorry, did not feel like waiting for the trains.. Duelling Dragons and their lockers.. towers.. curious to see how this will end.. some day i'll be back.. patience... the food was not bad indeed... skipped it.. did not feel like getting wet.. drewling over a view... my first encounter with "the lost continent" Time to check out the place a little more.. plenty of theming.. After the East-Coast trip i was looking forward to this one.. Dark Castle or Spiderman?? graphics or effects.. Interesting ride... bring it on... bring it on.. the picture everybody has.. Always nice to hear that your are welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hhappy Posted December 14, 2008 Author Share Posted December 14, 2008 I'm almost done with the updates.. So here's another one. Universal and Halloween Horror Nights. Looking through my pictures.. i had the feeling that some were missing on my computer... I'll have to do some searching to see where those have ended up (or if my mind is playing tricks on me) I might present them later on in another update.. if they are interesting enough. Anyway.. Most of the pictures are related to Horror Nights.. Hope you like them.. ok.. time to check out another house... and this concludes this update.. more fire.. rock on.. pretty lights.. hmmmm how do you end this?? with more music and dance off course.. yes.. the main "cast" of this event.. tinman.. I guess it's a "bad guy" ?? 69... yes 69 time for the X.. fireworks.. always good Yeti help?? where?? some sort of guy... and yes.. i'm finally going to watch this movie.. (in about 5 minutes) since my brother just bought the dvd some chicks.. no clue on who they are.. the user belonging to the password everybody knows.. some old guy.. and off course.. Bill and Ted somebody's password.. all kinds of people.. what can i say... there was music, dancing.. time for the part of the night i had been looking forward to the most.. and yes.. i did like the movies.. they did make it back.. during the day this was fun.. at night.. it was even better.. Time for a short break.. spooky... lights can give some nice effects soo much to see.. and so many possible picture angles.. Halloween.. yeah i'll be honest.. i can't remember what this was.. spot our group.. Dude on a mushroom sunset... brings out the... I'm missing the pics from the coaster and MIB at the moment.. so it's time for the night.. Horror Nights that is memories... Imagine what you can do to this alley once the lights go out.. enjoying the view while sitting against a light post?? After some locker fun.. i did enjoy this ride. during the day.. this might have looked cheap.. but once it became dark.. it was amazing.. a park map always comes in handy most of my walkback pictures failed... i just don't like using flash.. and well.. i can only blame myself this walk back was just amazing. Hearing all the stories behind it.. made it even more interesting during the night competition... somewhere during the day we were given the opportunity to "go where nobody had gone before.." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 some chicks.. no clue on who they are.. The chicks from the HBO series (later movie) Sex and the City. All they do is have sex, buy shoes, and talk about sex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speeddeamon128 Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 AMAZING pics as always Hanno great update Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mertz19 Posted December 14, 2008 Share Posted December 14, 2008 I love Universal so much I cant wait to get back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts